Jonathan Richman vs. They Might Be Giants | Head 2 Head

In the 30^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Jonathan Richman and They Might Be Giants contend for the best rendition of “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 30^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Jonathan Richman and They Might Be Giants contend for the best rendition of “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Jonathan Richman, “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar”

“Well, I was dancing at a nightclub one Friday night / And that nightclub was a little uptight.” Bummer! That sucks, Jonathan Richman (1951 – )! I mean, you go out to have fun, not be self-conscious, as he confesses in the first verse of “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar”. So, who saves him from this awkward, unfun nightclub experience? The lesbians! “‘For dancing come with us’ / And soon… / I was dancing in a lesbian bar, ah-hoo, ah-oo / I was dancing in a lesbian bar, ooh, ooh, ooh.” Ooh-wee, what a difference the venue, and the patrons in that venue make! “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” is the fifth track from his 1992 album, I, Jonathan. Richman wrote this infectious, unforgettable gem while Brennan Totten produced it. Can I get a “ooh, ooh, ooh!”

As Richman tells us his initial experience, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” begins dramatically.  Guitar is the sole accompaniment, with Jonathan Richman’s vocals and beautiful, warm background vocals. After feeling free, the guitar establishes a stable, chordal rhythmic groove. The bass and drums enter the mix, providing an anchor and firm foundation for Richman to deliver an entertaining performance on this novel record. He consistently delivers expressive, well-rounded vocals, bringing the tuneful melodies and striking lyrics to life. “Well, the first bar things were alright / But in this bar, things were Friday night,” he asserts in the first pre-chorus. Later, he continues to compare the differences, including “Well in the first bar things were stop and stare/ But in this bar things were laissez-faire,” and “In the first bar folks were drinking sips / But in this bar they could shake their hips.” Woo! Beyond their initial appearance, the background vocals are one of my favorite touches, providing sweet harmonies. The verses are rad (“… I was there to check the scene / And hang around”), as are the comparative pre-choruses, but the best section of the song should come as no surprise: the chorus, which highlights the titular lyric. Ultimately, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” is one of the most fun songs you’ll ever hear.  If you haven’t heard it, you are sadly missing out. Jonathan Richman put his foot into this one.  He can thank the lesbians for allowing him to have fun!

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2. They Might Be Giants, “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar”

“Well, I was dancing in the lesbian bar / In the industrial zone,” They Might Be Giants sing, and continue, “I was dancing with my friends /And dancing alone.”  Those are the first lyrics heard on their rendition of “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar” which was released in 2015 via their Dial-A-Song project. The song is a cover of an artist whom John Flansburgh and John Linnell admire, Jonathan Richman. One of many differences from the cover versus the original is the excerpted verse.  In Richman’s version, this is the second verse.  In the hands of They Might Be Giants, they omit the first verse and dive into the second verse.

Give They Might Be Giants credit for making “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar” their own in many ways. The cover features an intense, driving rhythm.  The musical accompaniment is starkly different, with some gorgeous keyboards and programming.  That vocal pad – at least that’s what it sounds like – Is delightful! The groove that anchors the record is sickening – gotta love some hi-hat! Ultimately, this playful musical backdrop makes this cover highly effective.  But, like Richman’s original, the listener is treated to strong lead vocals that marvelously convey the good time had at the lesbian bar! A prime example: “In the first bar, folks were drinking sips / But in this bar, they could shake their hips!” Hell yeah! The cover also gets a super fun music video.  They Might Be Giants put their foot into this brief cover of a surefire, 1990s Jonathan Richman classic. “I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar”, updated for the 21^st century, kicks some serious ass!

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who danced better at the lesbian bar, “ah-hoo, ah-oo?” Was it the original, playful gem by Jonathan Richman or the 21^st-century, modernized cover by They Might Be Giants? It’s a tough decision. The original is a rock bop for the ages. The lyrics, melodies, sound, and vocal performance all get an A.  The more synthesized, electronic cover is striking, taking the same awesome song and reintroducing it freshly. Honestly, both renditions of this fun song are the sugar, honey iced tea. Both Richman and They Might Be Giants sound carefree and playful regarding their experiences at the far better, more loose bar.  But let’s give the credit where credit is due, originally. Jonathan Richman wrote and recorded this classic, providing epic source material for They Might Be Giants to transform it into something special, too.

🏅 Winner: Jonathan Richman

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